Obituary of Shirley A. Leer

Shirley Anne (Armitage) Leer, 89, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Born in Troy, NY on May 16, 1927 to Lloyd and Florence Armitage, she was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 63 years Robert S. Leer, her brother Dr. David Armitage, and son-in-law Rob Kelley. Shirley is survived by her sons Stuart (Irene) and Jonathan (Cathy) and daughters Anne (Bob) Wickman and Rebecca Leer. She has seven grandchildren: Jared (Wendy), Joshua (Kat), Lacey (Nick), Dustin, Darrin, Christopher and Claire and three great-grandchildren; Nolan, Moira and Aurelia. Shirley was awarded a scholarship from the Army Nurse Cadet Core through which she obtained her RN from Samaritan School of Nursing. She worked in labor and delivery and later as a district visiting nurse. Shirley loved music, played piano and enjoyed using the voice God gave her to sing in the chorus of the Tri-Cities Opera for many years. Shirley was very active at Grace Lutheran Church including teaching Sunday school to 3 year olds for 30 years and singing in the choir. She also taught Bible studies at Woodland Manor Retirement Home for over 30 years. Shirley was active in her neighborhood groups - "Ladybugs" and Ridgehaven Garden Club - as well as being an accomplished hand-quilter. The family of Shirley Leer sends a heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at United Methodist Homes - Hilltop Sun Unit for the wonderful love and care extended to Shirley over these past 18 months. Friends wishing to express their sympathies will be greeted on behalf of Grace Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 25 from 3-5 PM at Memorial Park Baptist Church, 1013 Front Street, Vestal, NY 13850 with a memorial service immediately to follow. A graveside interment service will be held early next week. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Grace Lutheran Church, c/o Memorial Park Baptist Church, 1013 Front St., Vestal, NY in memory of Shirley Leer.